Actros L is new fuel champ at Casterton Haulage

Casterton Haulage has added a third Mercedes-Benz Actros to its fleet after being impressed by the fuel efficiency of its first two. The Sheffield-based company took delivery of its first pair of Actros trucks last year from Bell Truck and Van. Both are 4x2 Low-liner units, designed for European work, including event and concert logistics.

Managing director Mark Casterton explained how the switch to Mercedes-Benz came about: "Up to that point we had vehicles from two other brands on our fleet. When I needed a new truck urgently, though, neither could quote us a delivery time that was anywhere near quick enough. "I know Carl Belch, Bell Truck and Van's sales director, so I gave him a call and explained the situation.

Straight away he said he could get me what I needed, when I needed it. That first truck had an unusual specification - a high-spec 4x2 tractor with a powerful engine - but Bells made the delivery process even smoother than they had promised." The first truck was an Actros L 1853, fitted with a 12.8-litre, six-cylinder engine producing 530 bhp.

An order was soon placed for a second vehicle - a 510 bhp version of the same model. The performance of these trucks made an immediate impact. "I drive the 530 bhp Actros myself and it's a great truck," he said. "But as well as being lovely to drive with a beautifully equipped cab, it's also proved to be impressively fuel-efficient.

"Its first long-distance trip was a run to Portugal, alongside one of our older units. There's a big difference in ages, with the other truck being seven years old, so it's not really a fair comparison, but the Actros was a full two miles per gallon better. The 510 hp vehicle has been similarly economical, so between them they're delivering a significant saving."

With fuel efficiency proving a major advantage, Casterton Haulage has now added a third Mercedes-Benz - an Actros L 2558 with a 580 bhp, 15.6-litre engine in a 6x2 format, intended mainly for steel transport. "We've developed a specialism in event logistics but I still class us as a general haulier," said Casterton. "We do a bit of everything, including a lot of steel transport. The 4x2 units are intended mainly for event work and the new 580 is specced for hauling steel, but all our vehicles are able to turn their hand to whatever is required."

Casterton Haulage remains a family-run business, established in 1998.

Mark drives the Actros 1853, his brother Jason operates the 1851, and their newest truck is driven by Mark's son, James.

His wife Gillian manages the office, while their daughter Raechel runs her own transport business, RAE Transport.